EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: yo3ggx on March 06, 2018, 09:54:48 am
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Hi Everybody,
I'm using now a Brymen BM867 as my main digital multimeter, but I want to buy a desktop/bench model. I'm interested in something with a very good display (in different lighting conditions), fast in auto mode, and a minimum of 5 1/2 digits precision. I need something reliable, with auto-hold(touch hold), TrueRMS up to 100KHz, Min/Max.
The budget is up to ~400 Euro.
Any recommendation based on your own experience and not on product specifications or Internet reviews?
Thank you,
Dan
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Hi Everybody,
I'm using now a Brymen BM867 as my main digital multimeter, but I want to buy a desktop/bench model. I'm interested in something with a very good display (in different lighting conditions), fast in auto mode, and a minimum of 5 1/2 digits precision. I need something reliable, with auto-hold(touch hold), TrueRMS up to 100KHz, Min/Max.
The budget is up to ~400 Euro.
Any recommendation based on your own experience and not on product specifications or Internet reviews?
Thank you,
Dan
Agilent 34401A was my favorite for many years, just sold mine like new for this price only to upgrade to a Keithley 2001 with 7 1/2 digits.
Keithley 2000 is nice as well or Fluke with dual display.
eurofox
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With some patience, you should be able to get a HP / Agilent 34401. It's simply the best you can get for this money. Next stop would be a Keithley 2000 or 2015, should be the same price range and is the same perfomance, but I like the 34401's display more than the 2000 / 2015 (digits are larger and easier to read).
Edit: These don't have an "Auto-Hold" feature, never heard of that feature with Bench DMM (in contrast to Handhelds)
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With some patience, you should be able to get a HP / Agilent 34401. It's simply the best you can get for this money. Next stop would be a Keithley 2000 or 2015, should be the same price range and is the same perfomance, but I like the 34401's display more than the 2000 / 2015 (digits are larger and easier to read).
Edit: These don't have an "Auto-Hold" feature, never heard of that feature with Bench DMM (in contrast to Handhelds)
The latter is surpising to me. It's so convenient to be able to watch where your hands are, rather than having to look at the display. It's one of the features of the 87V I use all the time.
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As this will be my first bench multimeter, I'm surprised too that the auto-hold feature is not available on such multimeters.
Unfortunately 2nd hand Agilent/Keysight 34401A multimeters are in Europe out of my budget.
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Cheapest option is GW Instek GDM-8351 and that's probably out of your budget already.
Hanging around for a cheap 34401A is probably the best option. They do turn up for not much money occasionally.
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Cheapest option is GW Instek GDM-8351 and that's probably out of your budget already.
Yes, is over my budget. This one is at the upper limit:
http://uk.farnell.com/gw-instek/gdm-8341/digital-multimeter-bench-4-3-4/dp/2460248 (http://uk.farnell.com/gw-instek/gdm-8341/digital-multimeter-bench-4-3-4/dp/2460248)
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Rigol 3058/68 have AutoHold functionality.. They call it Read Hold...
Maybe send Rigol an E-mail if they have something factory refurbished for sale.. They have been known to sell DM3058 for less than 400€, new DM3058E (without Ethernet and GPIB, just USB) is 470€ (with tax)..
So if they have a refurbished one, definitely in you budget.
Also take a look at simpler Siglent meters... And TTi 1604 and 1908
Basically, there are other options for decent meters than two most expensive brands if you don't need 7.5 and 8.5 digit meters...
But, as more experienced users will tell you, depending of what you do, simpler meters can be all you need, or you might quickly find out they are just not good enough and you need more...
There are many good topics on this here on eevblog. Please search for them and read them..
People don't like to write same things over and over again...
Regards,
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Good call with the TTi meters. Some of their older meters are quite good as well, particularly in the 5.5 digit range.
Cheapest option is GW Instek GDM-8351 and that's probably out of your budget already.
Yes, is over my budget. This one is at the upper limit:
http://uk.farnell.com/gw-instek/gdm-8341/digital-multimeter-bench-4-3-4/dp/2460248 (http://uk.farnell.com/gw-instek/gdm-8341/digital-multimeter-bench-4-3-4/dp/2460248)
I actually own one of them. Nice meters. VERY fast. have a look on Amazon - they are much cheaper than that now!
Inevitable photo:
(https://i.imgur.com/2YCvay8.jpg)
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@yo3ggx: please empty your inbox, I got a message, that I cannot send you a PM because your inbox is full.
And for the link I sent you: change it from .com to .de and then it should work.
Cheers,
Andreas
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@yo3ggx: please empty your inbox, I got a message, that I cannot send you a PM because your inbox is full.
Strange as this is my first post and no messages in the inbox at all...
Thank you.
Dan
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Strange as this is my first post and no messages in the inbox at all...
Thank you.
Dan
Maybe people can't send you messages because you turned it off or never turned it on.
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You need minimum 5 posts to use private mail...
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I think the GW Instek GDM-8342 or 8341 are a good choice.
Something that also looks not bad in my sight is the Siglent SDM3045X.
But i think with the requirement 5 1/2 digits its gonna be hard to get a new benchtop multimeter at this pricepoint.
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With some patience, you should be able to get a HP / Agilent 34401. It's simply the best you can get for this money. Next stop would be a Keithley 2000 or 2015, should be the same price range and is the same perfomance, but I like the 34401's display more than the 2000 / 2015 (digits are larger and easier to read).
Edit: These don't have an "Auto-Hold" feature, never heard of that feature with Bench DMM (in contrast to Handhelds)
After browsing through the 34401A's manual, I have to revisit the auto-hold discussion. It seems the 34401A does have auto-hold, though it's called Reading Hold. It will display a reading if three consecutive readings are within a settable percentage. I just checked and it does appear to work much like Fluke's AutoHOLD function, which I find very useful.
This means that the models intended to replace the 34401A are also likely to have this feature, as Keysight intentionally markets those as superseding the previous model and drop-in replacements.
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After browsing through the 34401A's manual, I have to revisit the auto-hold discussion. It seems the 34401A does have auto-hold, though it's called Reading Hold. It will display a reading if three consecutive readings are within a settable percentage. I just checked and it does appear to work much like Fluke's AutoHOLD function, which I find very useful.
Only 3 ?
The SDM3k models do 8. :P
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All the new Keysight bench meters 3446xA and 34470A have the auto hold function built in.
The the OP I would say to wait for a good 34401A to show up.
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maybe the GDM-8251a would be nice ??? 120000 count with hold, can be found cheaply priced ??? can be calibrated with an short plug on the special rear usb plug ...
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Only 3 ?
The SDM3k models do 8. :P
That isn't in the manual or datasheet as far as I can tell. Am I overlooking something or is Siglent sloppy in specifying the functionality?
Another thing to consider is that the 34401A has been the industry standard for pretty much decades. So much so that newer models are backwards compatible with it, the same newer models the Siglent bench DMMs are inspired on. I think Dave did a video on that.
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Only 3 ?
The SDM3k models do 8. :P
That isn't in the manual or datasheet as far as I can tell. Am I overlooking something or is Siglent sloppy in specifying the functionality?
It's plainly visible on Siglent websites.
(https://siglenteu-qwavztc8hvq2w.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SDM3055-char6.png?1522707259419)
https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3055-5-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/ (https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3055-5-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/)
Another thing to consider is that the 34401A has been the industry standard for pretty much decades. So much so that newer models are backwards compatible with it, the same newer models the Siglent bench DMMs are inspired on.
Hardly.
Really how much variation can there be in front panel design in any TE ?
They've all evolved to what we have today and minor differences could be seen as a blatant copy or an improvement. You choice depending on your POV.
What, so now any yellow DMM must be a Fluke ? ::)
It's what's 'inside', price and the overall functionality that really matters to the marketplace.
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It's plainly visible on Siglent websites.
(https://siglenteu-qwavztc8hvq2w.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SDM3055-char6.png?1522707259419)
https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3055-5-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/ (https://www.siglenteu.com/digital-multimeters/sdm3055-5-%C2%BD-digits-dual-display-digital-multimeters/)
Hardly.
Really how much variation can there be in front panel design in any TE ?
They've all evolved to what we have today and minor differences could be seen as a blatant copy or an improvement. You choice depending on your POV.
What, so now any yellow DMM must be a Fluke ? ::)
It's what's 'inside', price and the overall functionality that really matters to the marketplace.
I hope we're not supposed to infer specifications from images on the website. This image doesn't seem to be related, as the number given isn't anywhere near the average or within a percentage of the eight measurements displayed below it. If that's the autohold feature it's properly broken, but I suspect we're looking at something else entirely. That's why it's nice to have it in the specifications or manual. It takes out the guesswork.
I'm not even going to argue the similarities to the Keysight models. I understand you have an investment in Siglent and an inevitable bias, but claiming it's anything else than a blatant copy just makes you look silly and seriously hurts your credibility. It's nowhere near reasonable doubt or improving upon a design. Dave's comment was "If there's a more blatant rip-off I haven't seen it". Watch the video from 21:30 to see a comparison to the copied Agilent or Keysight model.
Regarding what's inside, I don't have experience with the Siglents but Dave's comment during the teardown was "It's just not a high quality bit of gear."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nqSFYVKnP4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nqSFYVKnP4)
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I forget to mention that Yellow and dark grey multimeters are indeed deemed to be too similar to Fluke multimeters in at least some countries. Sparkfun had $30000 worth of multimeters destroyed because they looked too much like Fluke's.
(https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DMM_Yellow.png)
https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1428 (https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1428)
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It seems the 34401A does have auto-hold, though it's called Reading Hold. It will display a reading if three consecutive readings are within a settable percentage. I just checked and it does appear to work much like Fluke's AutoHOLD function, which I find very useful.
Yep, and what's cool is that you can use Reading Hold with Reading Memory to log, for example, captured readings from various test points without having to put down the probes to jot down notes.
A little DIY accessory for even more control is to make a little foot switch connected to the external trigger input on the back of the DMM. That way you can initiate a reading (or multiple) with your foot anytime (or only when) you want.
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Saw a reportedly good Prema6001 go for slightly below 400.- a few days ago on Ebay Germany.
Another one available for slightly above 400.-
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Just to add to the mix of used Bench meters: Keithley 191 and Racal Dana 5001 - both have LED displays, which have good visibility in a wide number of scenarios.
A few comments I made in the past about these:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/options-for-a-5-5-digit-bench-dmm/msg1191836/#msg1191836 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/options-for-a-5-5-digit-bench-dmm/msg1191836/#msg1191836)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/msg1439518/#msg1439518 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/msg1439518/#msg1439518)
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Hi BD-139
Is this IsoTech the same unit as your Instek 8342?
Mathieu
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It is. The ISO-tech ones are rebranded GW units made for RS. That's actually one up from mine which is the 8341 - that has USB data logging AFAIK.
Not a bad price. Worth having a shop around though as they have been seen around cheaper than that occasionally.
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Thanks !!
I orderd one ;-)
Mathieu
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Enjoy. nice meters :-+
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Another thing to consider is that the 34401A has been the industry standard for pretty much decades. So much so that newer models are backwards compatible with it, the same newer models the Siglent bench DMMs are inspired on.
Hardly.
Really how much variation can there be in front panel design in any TE ?
They've all evolved to what we have today and minor differences could be seen as a blatant copy or an improvement. You choice depending on your POV.
Bullshit. The Siglent is an almost 100% direct ripoff of the Keysight, and you know it.
The almost identical front panel layout, and the identical GUI interface with the same menu options even in the same locations.
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Enjoy. nice meters :-+
Do you know how to get it 'spot on'?
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Don't worry - that's in spec. 0.02% + 4 counts on DC ranges
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my next restoration: 8300A opt. 1, 2, 5 ^-^
ext REF ??
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Enjoy. nice meters :-+
Do you know how to get it 'spot on'?
Oh-oh... Volt nut in the making...
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my next restoration: 8300A opt. 1, 2, 5 ^-^
ext REF ??
Belongs here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/)
Or in its own new thread. :)
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I like my GDM-8251a 's. Not that I use them much or their capabilities. but that will come, I think, with time.
I feel very fortunate to have gotten 2 of them when there was a glut on Ebay after the trade school dumped them. In excellent condition for $85 each. We need another surplus dump like that to happen. It really helps many of us to get equipment we otherwise could not afford.
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Damn at that price I'd get a couple too and ship them here.
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Damn at that price I'd get a couple too and ship them here.
I know what you mean. It's disgusting how low the prices were for the Multimeters, Power supplies, Oscilloscope and waveform generator I bought on that fire sale.
The multimeters are selling for around $270 now. on Ebay.
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+1
I should have bought them when they were low priced too, they were sold half than that. And now we know how to calibrate them with the short usb plug.
Before people got interested :-DD
and the price hiked :(
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Yep, sometimes you just have to jump on a good deal, even if you don't need the thing at the time.
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And that's exactly how you end up in the TEA thread :-DD
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I forget to mention that Yellow and dark grey multimeters are indeed deemed to be too similar to Fluke multimeters in at least some countries. Sparkfun had $30000 worth of multimeters destroyed because they looked too much like Fluke's.
https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1428 (https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1428)
Though they got a donation from Fluke, and were going to ship the multimeters to a different country according to their update (although I didn't see a further followup).
https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1430 (https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1430)
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Hello all,
What do you guys think about this bench dmm?
https://ro.farnell.com/multicomp-pro/mp730028-eu-uk/digital-multimeter-bench-10a-1kv/dp/3107586
I found one second hand & almost unused for about ~250 euros. The price for a new one on farnell is about 440 euros.
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Looks like a rebranded one .... seems fine on the specs.
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Hi Everybody,
I'm using now a Brymen BM867 as my main digital multimeter, but I want to buy a desktop/bench model. I'm interested in something with a very good display (in different lighting conditions)
Why does a bench meter need to be used in different lighting conditions? :-//
EDIT: Just realised I recroposted :palm:
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Hi Everybody,
I'm using now a Brymen BM867 as my main digital multimeter, but I want to buy a desktop/bench model. I'm interested in something with a very good display (in different lighting conditions)
Why does a bench meter need to be used in different lighting conditions? :-//
EDIT: Just realised I recroposted :palm:
Dave, it's late. go sleeping. :)
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Hello all,
What do you guys think about this bench dmm?
https://ro.farnell.com/multicomp-pro/mp730028-eu-uk/digital-multimeter-bench-10a-1kv/dp/3107586
I found one second hand & almost unused for about ~250 euros. The price for a new one on farnell is about 440 euros.
This is a rebranded Owon multimeter.
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Hi, I'm looking for a desktop multimeter for my electronics hobby and I'm considering the SDM3045X.
Is this a good choice for 2020? :) Maybe there is a better multimeter in this price range.
How about SDM3045X rust inside? Does this problem still occur in 2020?
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Hi, I'm looking for a desktop multimeter for my electronics hobby and I'm considering the SDM3045X.
Is this a good choice for 2020? :) Maybe there is a better multimeter in this price range.
How about SDM3045X rust inside? Does this problem still occur in 2020?
Welcome to the forum.
Not seen any rust in the few Siglent's I've had a look inside however a Tek DSO I have has some.
Sold a good few SDM3045X and no problems with any of them.
As they are fanless they are popular on the hobby bench.
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Hi, I'm looking for a desktop multimeter for my electronics hobby and I'm considering the SDM3045X.
Is this a good choice for 2020? :) Maybe there is a better multimeter in this price range.
How about SDM3045X rust inside? Does this problem still occur in 2020?
Rust wouldn't worry me. Still... if you are after a straightforward 4.5 digit bench DMM then also look at the VC8145. The price is currently around the US $170 - $180 mark including shipping from China. I have a Keysight 34461A as well but the VC8145 is my daily driver.
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Thanks, I ordered the SDM3045X. :-DMM :)